as in charismatic
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract
the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of elfin
Before leading me on a tour of the outdoor sets and soundstages, Logan, an elfin presence with a demeanor that splits the difference between fanatical and very nice, greeted me at his office in a repurposed hacienda.
—
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
Cunningham was easily both, and Bozek’s film—narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker—captures both his artistry and his fizzy, elfin charm.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2020
The elfin Smart car made a noble stab at our market, but is leaving it while remaining in Europe.
—Tom Voelk, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
Advocates say the change, which the agency wants to make permanent, softens protections for the New England cottontail, golden eagle, frosted elfin butterfly and other animals along with some that are subject to separate federal protections.
—USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2020
Cunningham was easily both, and Bozek’s film—narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker—captures both his artistry and his fizzy, elfin charm.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 14 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
Adjective
-
Her father, Tom, was a forceful, charismatic man who worked as a commercial real-estate developer.—
Mary Jane Gibson,
Rolling Stone,
29 June 2025
-
Pitt is there to glower and exude experience, and Idris brims with youthful, charismatic arrogance.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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To-be-weds can exchange vows in one of the islands’ hundreds of charming chapels or on cliffsides with views of the gorgeous blue Mediterranean.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
24 June 2025
-
She was born on February 1, 1971, to a large family and grew up in Guanajuato, whose historic center is a charming former silver mining town with colonial architecture and colorful, blocky houses stacked like Legos on the dramatic hillside.—
Rebecca Grant
June 24,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
When cut thin, red onion delivers an appealing flavor without bitterness.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
28 June 2025
-
Overall, though, the album retains the party vibe and reggaetón base that’s made Cris MJ’s songs so appealing.—
Leila Cobo,
Billboard,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Investments in private equity, real estate crowdfunding and digital assets have surged as younger investors proactively manage risks related to inflation and market downturns, seeking stable yet attractive returns.—
Hemanth Golla,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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But a series of lousy draft picks and a lack of an attractive infrastructure — that imaginary permanent practice facility is being built any day now! — have kept them from acquiring the sort of superstars that carry teams in crunch time, the kind of difference-makers this town deserves.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Bode’s spring 2026 presentation was enchanting and expanded the emotional potential of a fashion show.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2025
-
For example, when Pêche Mirage launched at the beginning of 2025, its enchanting floral and fruity aroma flourished throughout the hotel and spa.—
Dahvi Shira,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
On this song in particular, there’s both this seductive whisper and this exaggerated, bimbo breathiness.—
Reanna Cruz,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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Across the technology investing world, investors are scaling their bets on a seductive thesis: Generative AI will transform low-margin service businesses into high-margin software companies.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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